FAQs

Q. Is it safe to touch the animals?

A. Yes. IRO takes the health and well-being of our animals very seriously and our animals are kept up-to-date with vaccinations, worming programmes and health checks. If IRO has any concern about an animal’s health or behaviour, they will be given a medical or behavioural check.

Q. Where do the animals come from?

A. Our animals come to us from a wide variety of circumstances. Some are strays that are found on the streets, some have been surrendered to us for reasons such as the owner is relocating and can’t afford to take their pet or is moving to new accommodation that won’t accommodate animals.

Q. How is IRO funded?

A. From people just like you! IRO does not receive any funding from the government so it is through the generosity and support of the local and international community that we continue to be able to operate. We also host different fundraising events throughout the year that assist with expenses such as food, water, medicines, vaccinations and surgeries.

Q. What animals does IRO take in?

A. We will take in any animal that needs us as long as we have the space and the knowledge to look after them. Unfortunately we do not have unlimited space at the shelter and as a result, we have to restrict the number of animals we take in. Where we cannot offer a space, we will try and find a foster home or network with our contacts to find a temporary home until a space becomes available. Although IRO helps all animals, we are concentrating on companion animals (cats/dogs) at this time. We will take in a cat/dog that needs us as long as we have the space.

Q. What happens if someone wants to adopt an animal?

A. IRO takes its adoption process seriously and believes strongly in our policy that adopting an animal is a commitment for the rest of that animal’s life. Anyone who is interested in adopting from IRO must visit the shelter for an interview with an Adoption Coordinator. We will ask questions about the person, their circumstances and their lifestyle in order to understand what animal would best suit them. IRO has the right to refuse to adopt an animal out to anyone who we believe is not suitable.

Q. Why are the animals spayed/neutered?

A. IRO sees first-hand every day the result of over population of stray animals and does not want to contribute to this problem. Spaying/neutering your animal also has many health and behavioural advantages.

Q. Does IRO have its own vet at the shelter?

A. No. IRO uses a local veterinary clinic that is open to the public for any medical treatment and surgeries.

Q. Can I feed the animals?

A. Our animals have set feeding routines which we follow every day. Our dogs are fed twice a day and the cats ‘free feed’ throughout the day. Puppies and kittens will be fed more regularly depending on their age and certain animals may be fed a special diet dependant on any medical condition or requirements. If you would like to give one of our animals a treat, please check with a member of staff if this is ok to do so as some of our animals are on special or restricted diets that need to be carefully followed.

Q. How often can I volunteer?

A. IRO welcomes new and current volunteers whenever they are able to help out. The IRO shelter is currently under construction so visits to the shelter are by appointment only. All new volunteers must receive an orientation session with a member of staff. Please contact us to speak with a member of staff and find out when you can volunteer at the shelter. Remember, even if you can’t make it to the shelter, you can still help IRO as a Volunteer by supporting IRO at events, sharing IRO news with friends and family, use your social networking pages to promote our animals for adoption or starting your own fundraising activity.

Q. I’ve found a sick/injured animal, can I call IRO?

A. Unfortunately IRO does not have a vet on site nor are we equipped for medical emergencies. If you find an animal that is hurt or sick, the best thing you can do is to take it to a vet for immediate medical attention. The Cebu City Pound also offers a number of low-cost veterinary services, you can find out more information here.

Q. I need to re-home an animal, can IRO help?

A. If you have an animal that you need to find a new home for PLEASE be responsible and do not abandon it! If you need help finding a new home for an animal, please send an email to helpiro@gmail.com or send us a private message via Facebook along with a photo of the animal, its name, age, medical history (vaccinations, neutered, dewormed etc) and any other relevant information about the animal (why do you need to find a new home for the animal? Is he/she good with other animals and/or children? Where did the animal come from?). Please also provide us with a contact number and/or email address that we can share with potential adopters to get in touch with you. We can share these details on our Facebook page for potential adopters to view. Please be aware that IRO will not be able to take in the animal immediately to our shelter so although we can put it on a waitlist, it may take some time to find a place for your animal.

Please do not depend solely on IRO to try and find a new home for your animal. Make up a poster with your animal’s photograph, information and your contact details and share it with friends, family and colleagues. Share the poster around your neighbourhood, schools, community groups, veterinary clinics etc. Upload this poster online so it can be shared. Make sure the new home your pet goes to is one you can trust (don’t be afraid to ask questions or visit the home before making the decision to rehome your pet). Please remember before you decide to bring home any animal, having an animal is a lifetime commitment and should be considered very carefully before any decision is made.

Q. I’ve found a stray kitten(s)/puppy(s) with no mother cat/dog around, what do I do?

A. If the kitten/puppy is in a safe location, please do not touch them, it may be that the mother cat/dog is nearby and moving her young may scare her away. If they are not in a safe place, move them to a safer location as close as possible to where you found them. If the mother cat/dog does not return within around 6 hours, it is possible that they may be orphaned and will need caring for. If you are prepared to help them, IRO advises taking the animal to a vet for medical attention.

Q. I am feeding a street cat/dog, what more can I do for it?

A. IRO commends you for your care and concern! IRO also encourages you to be responsible and have the animal sterilised to prevent any more homeless animals. Cebu City Pound offers low cost spay/ neutering, vaccination and deworming services. For more information visit their website or Facebook page.

Q. I have seen a person committing an act of animal abuse, how can I report it?

A. Under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, and its amendment, Republic Act 10631, an act of torture, neglect, abandonment or maltreatment of any animal is punishable by law. IRO advises members of the public to report any act of animal abuse IMMEDIATELY by contacting the Police Mobile Patrol on 166. Thereafter, please report the incident to the IRO for documentation and follow-up.